The amount of prize money at Grand Slams has been one of the biggest talking points of the year, with the top players protesting over its distribution across the 2026 season.
The best players on the ATP and WTA Tours introduced a media boycott at Roland Garros in protest over better distribution across the board for players.
They threatened another at Wimbledon, before pulling out at the last-minute, which has led many to ponder on what the US Open would do with their prize money.
The American Grand Slam is often the biggest payer in the sport and this year is now different.
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The Grand Slam has announced it will be paying out $108 million at the 2026 US Open, which is a tournament record.
That’s a 20% increase from the 2025 US Open, which at the time also set a record for the most prize money dealt out.
New USTA CEO Craig Tiley, who previously worked at the Australian Open said, “This is a significant first step in a multi-year investment in athletes as the US Open continues to be the best economic opportunity for players and the most valuable platform in tennis for players, fans and partners.
“We are proud to deliver record-setting prize money and expanded player benefits as well as providing a new platform to work together with players.”
It’s quite clear that the players concerns have been listened to as well, as the US Open as revealed plans for a Player Support Programme and a Grand Slam Player Council.
The player support programme will see an initial $2 million commitment in 2026, equally split between men and women players, and it is very similar to the pension-like fund players have been lobbying for.
Likewise, the Grand Slam Player Council will provide better dialogue between organisers and players, presumably to try and avoid the protests we have seen throughout 2026.
In a statement, Brian Vahaly, Chairman of the Board and President of the USTA. said: “The US Open has a long history of listening to players, and this player support program and Council builds on that commitment.
“We look forward to working directly with players to better understand the opportunities and challenges they face, and to continue finding meaningful ways to support them both on and off the court.”
Although players are yet to confirm whether they will protest at the US Open, these steps are very much in the right direction and it would be a surprise if they top brass on the ATP and WTA Tours were unhappy with the new moves.
